The Quebec Soccer Federation’s decision to maintain its ban of turbans (12 June 2013 QSF release) without the disclosure of intent or a projected plan of action forces the Canadian Soccer Association to uphold the suspension announced on 10 June.

As per its By-Laws, the Canadian Soccer Association, Canada’s national governing body for the sport of soccer in our country, has as its mission to “respect and prevent any infringement of the statutes, regulations, directives and directions of FIFA, CONCACAF and the Canadian Soccer Association as well as ensure that they are also respected by its Members”. As a Member Association, the Quebec Soccer Federation must abide by these By-Laws (article 15.2).

Also stated in the Association’s By-Laws, “discrimination of any kind against country, private person or group of people on account of ethnic origin, gender, language, religion, politics or any other reasons is strictly prohibited and punishable by suspension or expulsion”.

As per article 16.5, “a suspended Member shall lose its Membership rights [and] other Members may not entertain sporting contact with a suspended Member”.

Concretely, this suspension includes, but is not limited to:

Prohibit the participation or hosting of inter-provincial competitions, tournaments or matches;

Prohibit the participation or hosting of national competitions, including All Stars showcase and National Club Championships;

Prohibit the participation or hosting of international competitions, tournaments or matches;

Prohibit the appointment of international or national list officials to Quebec Soccer Federation’s competitions, tournaments or matches;

Prohibit the participation or benefiting from FIFA, CONCACAF, Canadian Soccer Association courses, including coaching and refereeing;

No access to hearing for appeals/disciplinary matters.

The suspension will be lifted once the Canadian Soccer Association receives, in writing, confirmation that the Quebec Soccer Federation has reversed its decision of 2 June 2013 and will comply with the Canadian Soccer Association policy that the wearing of turbans/patkas/keski is permitted. The Canadian Soccer Association welcomes continued dialogue with the Quebec Soccer Federation with the objective of a timely resolution on this matter.

It is with regret that the Canadian Soccer Association recognizes that the Quebec Soccer Federation suspension will, in the short term, affect a number of players and clubs. The Association remains committed to resolving this issue for the long term growth and development of the sport of soccer in Canada.

The Canadian Soccer Association is dedicated to improving the game of soccer, promoting, regulating and controlling it throughout Canada in the light of fair play and its unifying, educational, cultural and humanitarian values, particularly through youth and development programs.